Help Others While Staying Socially Distant

We’re all trying to stay 6-8 feet apart to prevent the spread of coronavirus through our communities. However, with so many people out of work and needing support, we still want to support others through the pandemic.

Help Others While Staying Socially Distant

Helping people is second nature for many in the military and veteran community. We thrive on supporting people in times of need. But right now we also need to keep our distance to prevent infection with COVID-19.

You can do both! Try these simple ways to help others with staying socially distant!

Remember, donating is a 100% contactless way to support others and provide relief for our most vulnerable communities.

Help the Global Community

People around the world are suffering under the pandemic. You can help by supporting charities through targeted giving.

No Kid Hungry: supporting children who rely on school to provide nutritious meals and children in food insecure households

Meals on Wheels: help senior citizens eat with a donation to this essential organization

Ronald McDonald House Charities: supporting the families of critically ill children with housing and meals; currently repurposing some spaces for doctors and medical professionals who are on the frontlines of the pandemic

Give Support in Your Community

While helping on a global or national scale is definitely needed, there are lots of ways to donate in your own backyard. Remember: giving your money or in-kind donations if often contactless!

Donate to your local food back, either with monetary support or non-perishable goods

Check with the local school districts to see if they need support

Call senior centers and nursing homes to find out what they need

Contact animal rescues and shelters to find out more about fostering an animal or supporting in another way

Contact the local chapters of the Red Cross, No Kid Hungry or similar groups to offer your donations

Coordinate with homeless shelters or other support organizations to help pack kits of supplies or donate in another way

If you are stuck for ideas, search online for:

your community + coronavirus + donate

More Personal Ways to Help Your Hometown

If you don’t or can’t donate money, consider donating your time and energy. You can still help your neighbors in large and small ways during the coronavirus pandemic.

Sew masks out of fabric

3D print masks

Run errands for those in quarantine or who are at high risk of infection

Mow lawns and weed gardens

Walk dogs for overwhelmed parents, as well as elderly or ill neighbors

Take part in community scavenger hunts, like stuffed animal safaris or rainbow hunts

Offer your services for free, via online booking systems

Read children’s stories out loud on YouTube or Facebook LIVE

Surprise your loved ones with letters or postcards

Helping in the Military Communities We Love

Military families might be facing extra strain during this time, especially since the “normal” flow of our lives has been disrupted in different ways.

You could also connect with the chaplains for your unit or at the nearest base. Ask about on-post food banks or ways to help.

Contact the CDCs on-base to see if they need supplies or protective equipment. Many child care centers are remaining open to provide care for essential military and civilian personnel.

Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is providing guidance and support for veterans throughout the pandemic. They are offering grants and monetary support for eligible veterans facing unemployment due to coronavirus.

VFW posts around the country are finding ways to support local veterans and the greater communities they serve. Contact your local VFW to learn about their work and how you can help.

How are you supporting others while staying safe? Sound off in the comments.